It's the peak of wedding preparations, and the entire Red Tide City has become busy.

The main street is already adorned with red and white ribbons and feather lamps, children running around, peddlers' cries and blessings echoing, even the cold wind carries a touch of joy.

But as the central figure of this wedding, the Red Tide Lord, Louis Calvin, was not immersed in it.

He was flipping through a thick stack of gift lists in his hand, not a trace of the relaxation a groom should have on his brow, but only the habitual suppression of fatigue and alertness.

To avoid attracting attention from the Imperial Capital, Louis deliberately tightened the guest list at the start of the wedding announcement.

He limited participation to "direct family and the Duke's circle," even refusing visits from other Northern lords.

But the Northern Lords have always valued "ceremonial appearance," even if they do not come in person, they will send gifts to save face for the Calvin and Edmund Families.

"Sir." Bradley hurriedly pushed the door open, holding an invitation and bowing respectfully, "Count Grant's envoy has arrived."

Louis sighed, slowly putting on a half-cloak with black and gold patterns, his long boots echoing crisply on the mahogany floor.

As he walked out of the side hall, the attendants almost forgot that he was a young man in his twenties; his gestures already had the calm demeanor of an old noble.

In the reception room, Albert, the Deputy Deacon of the Grant Family, had been waiting for a long time.

He was a middle-aged man approaching forty, with graying temples, dressed in a meticulously tailored black and gold robe, with a composed demeanor and serious expression, exuding the steady manner of an old noble's butler.

He had not brought any attendants, only a young servant behind him holding a brocade box.

All was kept simple, yet appropriately showcased the "Grant Family's" dignity and propriety.

Albert stepped forward, slightly bowed, and spoke respectfully: "Count Grant was unable to come personally due to matters, and specially sent me to deliver a wedding gift."

"Welcome to deliver this on behalf of Count Grant." Louis's tone was cordial yet measured.

Then Albert opened the brocade box, revealing the deep blue Magic Crystal Stone inside.

The crystal looked like a frozen night sky, deep and silent, with delicate light veins flowing on its surface, like gentle waves, containing pure and stable Fighting Energy fluctuations inside.

"This Magic Crystal Stone, from the far north deep rock mines, can store energy and recover Fighting Energy, specially prepared by Count Grant for your wedding." Albert spoke softly, respectfully, but his eyes quietly observed.

Louis gently pressed the lid of the box, not examining the Magic Crystal Stone closely, merely lifting his eyes with a faint smile.

"Please convey my gratitude to the Count." He said warmly, with sincerity in his eyes, "This gift is truly too precious, I will remember it fondly."

Albert bowed his head again upon hearing this.

Then the two sat down and chatted for a while, their words impeccable.

When parting, Louis personally escorted Albert to the front hall, observing all the formalities.

"He truly seems like an old lord who has been ruling for twenty years." Albert couldn't help but reflect as he left the Red Tide City castle.

After sending off Albert, the Deputy Deacon of the Grant Family, Louis had just sat down when Bradley quietly entered the room, whispering in his ear:

"Sir, the representative of the Calvin Family has arrived. It is the third prince, Eduardo."

"Is that so?" Louis's tone was steady, without evident fluctuations in his expression.

The teacup paused slightly at his fingertips, causing fine ripples in the tea.

The third son of Duke Calvin, Eduardo Calvin, Louis had almost no memory of this "brother."

Even his appearance was merely a vague glimpse from childhood.

In the Calvin Family, filled with noble offspring, a "brother" missing for over ten years was hardly different from being deceased.

However, Louis had long learned from daily intelligence that this "long-lost third brother" was coming to Red Tide not merely to attend the wedding on behalf of their father.

Officially a family envoy, secretly he was tasked by the bishop of the Golden Feather Flower Church Court to investigate the disappearance of "Grand Mage Jurgen Locke" in the Northern Territory.

Louis set down the teacup, speaking warmly, "Let him in."

Steady footsteps soon echoed from outside.

No exaggerated entourage, no deliberate ostentation, only a middle-aged man wearing a deep gold patterned robe entered the reception hall.

The robe was well-tailored, with a silky gloss subtly revealing totem-like geometric patterns, clearly from the hand of a Southern noble.

He walked steadily, with poise, his face showing the perfect hint of a smile, appearing warm and kind, with a bit of the unique leisureliness of the Southern nobility.

Louis had already stepped forward, a proper smile on his face, standing like a spring breeze: "Third brother, long time no see."

"Oh, indeed, it's been so long, over a decade, the last time I saw you, you couldn't even walk." Eduardo laughed, extending his hand to pat Louis's shoulder lightly, joking.

His smile was as warm as an old friend meeting, his tone almost teasingly relaxed: "You've really risen to prominence in recent years, the Star of the Northern Territory. Father said... you've brought the Calvin bloodline to shine again on the battlefield."

As he spoke, he took a gold-edged letter and an exquisite silver badge from his bosom, bearing the Calvin Family's red moon crest.

"Father's handwritten letter, and this 'Family Core' badge." Louis took them without his smile changing: "Father has always been mindful, I understand. Thank you, third brother, for personally bringing them."

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